“These suspects are very dangerous to the community and they don't have a permanent residential address. They are also linked to many outstanding cases in the Nkomazi area,” said Warrant Officer Mgugugu Leonard Bhembe in a statement read out in court.

Bhembe, attached to the Tonga police station, testified he had dealt with similar cases in his 32-year career as a police officer.

“These suspects' fingerprints are linked to many cases in some six police stations in Nkomazi. They are too dangerous to live in the community,” he said.

Control prosecutor Rene Coetzee told the court that seven of the dockets would be referred to a high court because of their nature.

Masilela was arrested on February 13 and Mahlalela on March 13.

Magistrate Sibonisiwe Sibuyi postponed the case to July 2 for a high court date to be set.